Multiple Walled Primary Package with Phase Change Material

ABSTRACT

A container for a temperature sensitive product, such as a pharmaceutical compound, includes an inner vessel and an outer shell. When the inner vessel is contained in the outer shell, a chamber adapted to receive a phase change material is defined between an inner vessel wall and an outer shell wall. A container may also include multiple chambers defined by multiple walls, with different phase change materials disposed in different chambers. A cap, such as a child-proof cap, may be used to secure the contents of the container.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/291,707 filed Dec. 31, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates generally to primary packages, receptaclesor containers and more specifically to a receptacle that cools or heatsa payload to a temperature range and then maintains the payload in adesired temperature range for an extended period.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is generally held as desirable to consume or administer certainpharmaceutical compounds (“pharma-compounds”), when they are cold, i.e.,below a predetermined upper temperature. Refrigerating the compounds isthe common way of maintaining a desired temperature range. Whilereasonably effective for keeping the compounds cool, refrigerationremains expensive and generally non-portable.

In the absence of active refrigeration means, the consumer may rely oninsulated containers to limit heat loss from the pharma-compounds.Passive refrigeration, such as via dry ice, has been used duringtransport of thermally sensitive pharma-compounds. Loss ofpharma-compounds or decreased efficacy of the compounds often resultswhen the pharma-compound temperature exceeds a predetermined upperlimit.

Thermal receptacles incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) forstorage or transport of temperature sensitive payloads are well known.Examples include various containers having PCMs for producing cold foodsand beverages such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,634,417 and5,721,244, incorporated by reference herein.

A phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusionwhich, upon melting and solidifying at certain temperatures, is capableof storing or releasing large amounts of energy. Initially, solid-liquidPCMs perform somewhat like conventional storage materials: theirtemperature rises as they absorb heat. Unlike conventional storagematerials, however, when such PCMs reach their phase change temperatures(i.e., melting point temperature) they absorb large amounts of heatwithout a significant rise in temperature. When the ambient temperaturearound a liquid material falls, the PCM solidifies, releasing its storedlatent heat. Certain PCMs store 5 to 14 times more heat per unit volumethan conventional storage materials such as iron, masonry, or rock. Thisproperty can be harnessed to regulate the temperature of an environmentor object for an extended time. The use of ice as a thermal storagematerial for food is an example of this principle. Water is charged byfreezing to remove energy from the water and form ice. As heat energy istransferred to the ice, such as by placing the ice in a warm liquid,each unit of heat energy transferred to the ice is absorbed by the watermolecules. Not until sufficient energy has been transferred to the watermolecules is the ice able to melt. The temperature of the ice staysconstant until the phase change from solid to liquid is complete. Themelted ice, or water, then increases in temperature as more energy istransferred to the water.

In many PCMs, the phase changes are reversible so that the latent heatstorage can be used for either heating or cooling. That is, the PCMsrelease energy as the material changes from a liquid to a solid. Thus,the latent heat stored or released during the phase change can be usedfor cooling or heating, depending on how the PCM is charged and thetemperature of the surrounding environment.

Prior known devices have employed phase change materials in liquid formto encase a payload to protect materials from colder ambienttemperatures and phase change materials in solid form to encase apayload to protect materials from hotter ambient temperatures. PCMs canbe broadly grouped into two categories: “Organic Compounds” (such aspolyethylene glycol) and “Salt-based Products” (such as Glauber's salt).The most commonly used PCMs are salt hydrides, fatty acids and esters,and various paraffins (such as octadecane). Ionic liquids have also beeninvestigated as novel PCMs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention are apharma-compound cooler, self-equipped to cool a compound containedtherein to any desired temperature, within the range of compoundconsumption, without the use of ice or active refrigeration of thecompound. Various pills and liquids can be sustained at their lowtemperature for hours.

In general, the invention provides techniques for using a recyclablephase change material to regulate the temperature of an object or abody. The recyclable phase change material can act as a heat sink toabsorb heat of a body or a heat source to provide heat to the body.

The phase change material may, for example, include a fatty acid,fatty-acid derivative or triglyceride. The phase change material may bederived from various sources including, for example, soybean, palm,coconut, sunflower, rapeseed, cottonseed, linseed, caster, peanut,olive, safflower, evening primrose, borage, carboseed or animalproducts. The phase change material may be substantially free of saltsor hydrocarbons.

A method of forming a temperature regulating container in accordancewith the present invention includes selecting one or more phase changematerials. The phase change materials may, for example, be derived fromone or more agricultural products. The phase change material ormaterials are then placed between walls of the temperature regulatingcontainer, which define cavities in the container. The cavities may besealed so that the phase change materials do not escape from the filledcavities. The phase change material or materials may be preconditionedprior to placing a temperature sensitive payload into the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a pill bottle havingmultiple walls and a sealing cap is provided with a PCM between one ormore of the multiple walls. In one embodiment, a double walled pillbottle includes an inner container surrounded by a PCM contained withinan outer container. A cap, such as a child-proof cap, can be provided tosecure the container contents.

In another embodiment a multiple wall syringe sleeve is provided, with asyringe contained within an inner container and with a PCM and the innercontainer held within an outer container.

An embodiment of the present invention is a container for a temperaturesensitive product including an inner vessel having an inner vessel wallconnecting an open upper end of the inner vessel and a closed lower endof the inner vessel. The container also includes an outer shell havingan outer shell wall connecting an open upper end of the outer shell anda closed lower end of the outer shell. The outer shell is adapted toreceive the inner vessel such that, when the inner vessel is containedin the outer shell, a chamber adapted to receive a PCM is definedbetween the inner vessel wall and the outer shell wall. The containerfurther includes a cap adapted to be placed over the open upper end ofthe inner vessel and the open upper end of the outer shell, when theinner vessel is contained in the outer shell.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a container for atemperature sensitive product including an inner vessel having a hollowinner vessel wall connecting an open upper end of the inner vessel and aclosed lower end of the inner vessel. The container also includes anouter shell having a hollow outer shell wall connecting a closed upperend of the outer shell and an open lower end of the outer shell. Theouter shell is adapted to receive the inner vessel such that, when theinner vessel is contained in the outer shell, the open upper end of theinner vessel is adjacent to the closed upper end of the outer shell. Thehollow inner vessel wall contains a first PCM, while the hollow outershell wall contains a second PCM.

When an embodiment of the present invention includes two PCMs, atemperature sensitive compound may be maintained between a minimumtemperature and a maximum temperature. The first PCM may be selectedbecause it has a first phase change temperature sufficiently above theminimum temperature in the range to ensure the payload does not fallbelow the minimum temperature in the range, and a second PCM may beselected because it has a second phase change temperature sufficientlybelow the maximum temperature in the range to ensure the payload doesnot rise above the maximum temperature in the range. In one embodiment,the first PCM exists as a liquid within the target temperature range,and the second PCM as a solid. The first PCM changes from its liquidphase to its solid phase at a temperature sufficiently above the minimumtemperature in the range to ensure the payload does not fall below theminimum temperature in the range, and the second PCM changes from itssolid phase to its liquid phase at a temperature sufficiently below themaximum temperature in the range to ensure the payload does not riseabove the maximum temperature in the range. In this manner, the latentheats associated with the respective phase changes assist in maintainingthe temperature of the payload within the range. Virtually any desiredtarget temperature range may be accommodated by appropriate selection ofthe first and second PCMs.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a container for atemperature sensitive product including a syringe barrel and an outersleeve, or thermal sleeve, adapted to receive the syringe barrel. A PCMis contained within the hollow wall of the outer sleeve.

Implementations of the present invention may include none, one or moreof the following advantages. Renewable PCMs (RPCMs) may be used in someembodiments of the present invention. RPCMs may be more environmentallyfriendly than traditional PCMs. RPCMs are typically non-toxic toanimals, including human beings. Because RPCMs are typically non-toxic,the RPCMs may be a source of food. RPCMs can be biodegradable andnon-carcinogenic. RPCMs may be safer to work with. The temperature ofthe phase transition of an RPCM may be easier to control than the phasetransition temperature of a traditional PCM. An RPCM with a relativelyhigh phase change temperature may be capable of absorbing or radiatingmore heat energy than a traditional PCM with a similar phase changetemperature. An RPCM may be charged, i.e., cooled or heated, morequickly than a traditional PCM. An RPCM may have a longer workinglifespan per gram weight as compared to a traditional PCM. RPCMs can besafe to microwave. Manufacture and disposal of the RPCM can be simplerthan that of a traditional PCM. The raw materials for RPCMs are readilyavailable from agricultural sources.

Other purposes will appear in the ensuing specification, drawings andclaims. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features andtechnical advantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container inaccordance with the present invention, including a receptacle and cover.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inner vessel of the receptacle shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the receptacle shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inner vessel of a second embodimentof a container in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outer shell used in conjunction withthe inner vessel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inner vessel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the outer shell of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a partially disassembled containerincluding the inner vessel of FIG. 5 and the outer shell of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a syringe of a third embodiment of acontainer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the syringe of FIG. 10 and a thermalsleeve used in conjunction with the syringe.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the assembled syringe and thermalsleeve of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 depict an embodiment of a container of the present invention.In FIGS. 1-4, a pharma-compound receptacle is generally indicated at 10.FIGS. 1-2 show the assembled receptacle, which includes an inner vessel12 and an outer shell 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the inner vessel 12includes an open upper end 13 and a closed lower end 14. A rim 15extends around the open upper end 13. An inner vessel wall 16 connectsthe upper end 13 and lower end 14. As shown in FIG. 4, which depicts apartially disassembled receptacle 10, the outer shell 18 includes anopen upper end 17 and a closed lower end 19. An outer shell wall 21connects the upper end 17 and the lower end 19.

In the assembled receptacle 10, the inner vessel 12 is contained in theouter shell 18, such that the rim 15 of the inner vessel 12 is in directcontact with the outer shell 18. The outer shell wall 21 is spaced fromthe inner vessel wall 16, defining an interstitial chamber 20therebetween. Phase change material (PCM) is disposed within the chamber20.

The payload, which may be a pharma-compound or another temperaturesensitive product, is contained within inner vessel 12. A cap 22 can beprovided to secure the payload within receptacle 10. The cap 22 may be achild-proof cap.

The receptacle 10 may include insulation layers which are not shown inFIGS. 1-4. For example, an insulation layer may be adjacent to eitherthe outer shell wall 21 or the inner vessel wall 16. The performance ofthe receptacle 10 is greatly enhanced by an insulated outer shell 18.The insulation slows the transfer of thermal energy from the phasechange material thereby greatly extending the period that the payloadcan be maintained within a desired temperature range.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 is a double walled receptacleincluding one chamber 20. In another embodiment, such as that shown inFIGS. 5-9, discussed below, multiple chambers can be defined by multiplewalls with different PCMs disposed in different chambers. Through properselection of PCMs within the chamber, the receptacle 10 can offerprotection against both heat and cold.

Preferably, the inner vessel 12 is either wholly or partially formed ofa material having a high thermal conductivity. As should be obvious toone skilled in the art, a variety of materials meet this requirement. Amaterial with a lower thermal conductivity may also be used but theperformance of the invention will be reduced accordingly. The innervessel 12 and/or outer shell 18 may be treated in order to improve theappearance, resistance to oxidation or resistance to ultravioletradiation of the receptacle 10. The inner vessel 12 and outer shell 18may be formed from two or more different materials. A two-materialreceptacle 10 may be beneficial for cost, manufacturing, or appearancereasons.

To use the receptacle 10, a consumer removes the cap 22 and insertspills, compounds and/or liquids into the inner vessel 12 of thereceptacle 10, which is initially at a predetermined temperature. If theinner vessel 12 is formed of a thermally conductive material, thechamber 20 is in thermally conductive communication with the contents ofthe inner vessel 12. The receptacle 10 may be thermally preconditionedto extend the period of thermal protection of the contents. Both thecontents and the receptacle can be thermally preconditioned depending onthe application and environment.

The contents may be warmer or cooler than the PCM within chamber 20. Ifthe contents are warmer than the PCM within chamber 20, the thermallyconductive material of the inner vessel 12 begins conducting the thermalenergy of the contents into the chamber 20 where it is absorbed by thephase change material. As the phase change material absorbs the thermalenergy, the temperature of the phase change material rises.

FIGS. 5-9 depict a second embodiment of a container of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, two double-walled vessels, an innervessel 32 and an outer shell 34, contain PCM. These two double-walledvessels together form container 30. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view, andFIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view, of inner vessel 32. Inner vessel 32includes an open upper end 36 and a closed lower end 38 connected by ahollow inner vessel wall 40. A rim 39 extends around the closed lowerend 38. A PCM 42 is contained within the hollow inner vessel wall 40.Closed lower end 38 may also be comprised of a hollow panel containing aPCM.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view, and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectionalview, of outer shell 34. Outer shell 34 includes a closed upper end 44and an open lower end 46 connected by a hollow outer shell wall 48. APCM 50 is contained within the hollow outer shell wall 48. Closed upperend 44 may also be comprised of a hollow panel containing a PCM. In thisembodiment, PCM 42 in the hollow inner vessel wall 40 is a PCM toprotect against cold temperatures, while PCM 50 in the hollow outershell wall 48 is a PCM to protect against warm temperatures.

FIG. 9 depicts a partially assembled container 30. In a fully assembledcontainer 30, inner vessel 32 is contained in the outer shell 34, suchthat the open upper end 36 of the inner vessel 32 is adjacent to theclosed upper end 44 of the outer shell 34. The rim 39 of the innervessel 32 is in direct contact with the open lower end 46 of the outershell 34. The space between hollow inner vessel wall 40 and hollow outershell wall 48 is preferably minimal in the assembled container 30, suchthat the inner vessel 32 and the outer shell 34 fit closely together, inorder to minimize temperature fluctuations. The hollow inner vessel wall40 and hollow outer shell wall 48 may be in direct contact in theassembled container 30. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-9, theinner vessel 32 and outer shell 34 are substantially equal in length inorder to promote a close fit between them. This embodiment provides aninterlocking container design including two PCMs for universaltemperature protection of the payload. Specifically, through properselection of PCMs within the hollow inner vessel wall 40 and the hollowouter shell wall 48, the container 30 can offer protection of thepayload against both heat and cold. For example, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 5-9, PCM 42 contained in hollow inner vessel wall 40 is a PCM toprotect against cold, while PCM 50 contained in hollow outer shell wall48 is a PCM to protect against heat. The payload, which may be apharma-compound or another temperature sensitive product, is containedwithin inner vessel 32.

The container 30 may include insulation layers which are not shown inFIGS. 5-9. For example, an insulation layer may be adjacent to eitherthe hollow outer shell wall 48 or the hollow inner vessel wall 40.Insulation slows the transfer of thermal energy from the phase changematerial thereby greatly extending the period that the payload can bemaintained within a desired temperature range.

Preferably, the inner surface 52 of the hollow inner vessel wall 40 iseither wholly or partially formed of a material having a high thermalconductivity. As should be obvious to one skilled in the art, a varietyof materials meet this requirement. A material with a lower thermalconductivity may also be used but the performance of the invention willbe reduced accordingly. The inner vessel 32 and/or outer shell 34 may betreated in order to improve the appearance, resistance to oxidation orresistance to ultraviolet radiation of the container 30. The innervessel 32 and/or outer shell 34 may be formed from two or more differentmaterials. A container 30 made from more than one material may bebeneficial for cost, manufacturing, or appearance reasons.

To use the container 30, a consumer removes the outer shell 34 from theinner vessel 32 and inserts pills, compounds and/or liquids into theinner vessel 32 of the container 30, which is initially at apredetermined temperature. If the inner surface 52 of the hollow innervessel wall 40 is formed of a thermally conductive material, theinterior of the hollow inner vessel wall 40 is in thermally conductivecommunication with the contents of the inner vessel 32. The container 30may be thermally preconditioned to extend the period of thermalprotection of the contents. Both the contents and the container can bethermally preconditioned depending on the application and environment.

FIGS. 10-12 depict a third embodiment of a container of the presentinvention. FIG. 12 depicts the assembled container 60, while FIG. 11depicts a disassembled container 60. Container 60 includes a syringe 62and an outer sleeve 64. As shown in FIG. 10, syringe 62 includes barrel66, plunger 68, and needle 70. As shown in FIG. 11, the outer sleeve 64includes an open upper end 72 and an open lower end 74 connected by ahollow outer sleeve wall 76. PCM 78 is contained within the hollow outersleeve wall 76.

In the assembled container 60, the outer sleeve 64 surrounds the syringebarrel 66, such that the hollow outer sleeve wall 76 is in directcontact with the syringe barrel 66. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.10-12, both ends of the outer sleeve 64 are open, enabling the syringe62 to be used while contained within the outer sleeve 64. However, inother embodiments, the outer sleeve 64 may include a closed end. If theouter sleeve 64 includes a closed end, the syringe barrel 66 can bestored in the outer sleeve 64, and removed from the outer sleeve priorto the attachment of the needle. The payload, which may be an injectablepharma-compound or another thermally sensitive compound, is containedwithin syringe barrel 66.

The container 60 may include insulation layers which are not shown inFIGS. 10-12. For example, an insulation layer may be adjacent to eitherthe hollow outer sleeve wall 76 or the syringe barrel 66. Insulationslows the transfer of thermal energy from PCM 78, thereby greatlyextending the period that the payload can be maintained within a desiredtemperature range.

Preferably, the inner surface 80 of the hollow outer sleeve wall 76 iseither wholly or partially formed of a material having a high thermalconductivity. As should be obvious to one skilled in the art, a varietyof materials meet this requirement. A material with a lower thermalconductivity may also be used but the performance of the invention willbe reduced accordingly. The syringe 62 and/or outer sleeve 64 may betreated in order to improve the appearance, resistance to oxidation orresistance to ultraviolet radiation of the container 60. The outersleeve 64 may be formed from two or more different materials. Atwo-material outer sleeve 64 may be beneficial for cost, manufacturing,or appearance reasons.

To use the container 60, a consumer draws a liquid into syringe 62,which is located within outer sleeve 64. PCM 78 may be thermallypreconditioned prior to use. If the inner surface 80 of the hollow outersleeve wall 76 is formed of a thermally conductive material, theinterior of the hollow outer sleeve wall 76 is in thermally conductivecommunication with the syringe 62. The container 60 may be thermallypreconditioned to extend the period of thermal protection of thecontents. Both the contents and the container 60 can be thermallypreconditioned depending on the application and environment.

The contents may be warmer or cooler than PCM 78. If the contents arewarmer than PCM 78, the thermally conductive material of the innersurface 80 of the hollow outer sleeve wall 76 begins conducting thethermal energy of the contents into the interior of the hollow outersleeve wall 76 where it is absorbed by PCM 78. As PCM 78 absorbs thethermal energy, the temperature of PCM 78 rises.

One acceptable PCM is palmitic acid. Many other phase change materialsare also available with acceptable phase change temperatures. One classof phase change materials includes a set of naturally occurring fattyacids (soaps). These materials are advantageous due to their non-toxicand relatively innocuous characteristics. The performance of thesematerials is enhanced if they are of relatively high purity (95% orbetter). Examples are stearic, palmitic, and myristic acids. Otherpossibilities for the phase change material include heavy alcohols, suchas cetyl alcohol. As will be clear to one of skill in the art, manymaterials are available which can be used as phase change materials.However, to be useful for thermal management, a material must changephases at a temperature close to the temperature range desired to bemaintained. Also, it is desirable that the material be non-toxic and bereadily available at a reasonable price.

Once the phase change material reaches its melting point, thetemperature of the phase change material will no longer rise as thethermal energy is absorbed causing the material to melt (change phases).As the phase change material absorbs thermal energy from the contents,the temperature of the contents will fall. The temperature of thecontents will continue to fall until the contents and the phase changematerial are in thermal equilibrium; e.g., they are at the sametemperature. The quantity of the phase change material is chosen so thatduring its phase change it can absorb enough thermal energy to heat orcool the contents.

Embodiments of the present invention may include two or more differentphase change materials. In one embodiment, a water-based phase changematerial is utilized along with a 2^(nd), non-water-based phase changematerial. In one embodiment, a temperature sensitive product isprotected against thermal damage from the water-based phase changematerial by an intermediate phase change material. Depending on thedesired temperature range, a variety of different phase change materialsmay be utilized to keep a temperature sensitive product warm or coldduring shipment or storage. Prior to shipment or storage, one or both ofthe phase change materials can be preconditioned so that phase changematerial is in liquid form or solid form. The temperature maintainingcontainers in accordance with the present invention may include phasechange materials that are preconditioned to be solid, liquid, or bothsolid and liquid. Depending on the anticipated ambient temperatureprofile, the most effective combination of solid and liquid phase changematerial can be selected. If additional protection is needed, auxiliaryphase change material in solid, liquid, or solid and liquid phase can beadded to augment the thermal capabilities of the container.

Containers in accordance with the present invention may include phasechange materials that have been preconditioned separately to be solidand liquid by adding heat energy to phase change material containersuntil the phase change material is completely liquid and conditioningthe liquid phase change material to be at an acceptable temperature forpackaging; or removing heat energy from phase change material containersuntil the phase change material is completely solid and conditioning thesolid phase change material to be at an acceptable temperature forpackaging.

Selection of the phase change materials may include consideration ofmultiple factors including, but not limited to, the desired protectedtemperature range, anticipated ambient temperatures during shipment orstorage, thermal properties of the different phase change materials,thermal properties of the container and/or insulation layers, andthermal properties of the temperature sensitive product stored orshipped in the container. The design and sizing of containers for thephase change material and the insulation layers could vary depending onthese factors as well.

More than one phase change material may be used to fill a cavity of acontainer of the present invention. If two phase change materials usedto fill a cavity have different phase change temperatures, the combinedmaterial in the cavity can change phase at two temperatures. A cavitycan be filled so that no air is present inside the cavity. To facilitatefilling the cavities, the phase change material can be heated above thephase change temperature to liquefy the phase change materials.

Renewable PCMs (RPCMs) may be used in some embodiments of the presentinvention. Each cavity of the container, other than the cavity whichreceives the payload, may be filled with RPCMs. RPCM is produced fromagricultural products, such as biomass, including animal products andplants. The agricultural products from which RPCM can be derivedinclude, but are not limited to, soybean, palm, coconut, sunflower,rapeseed, cottonseed, linseed, caster, peanut, olive, safflower, eveningprimrose, borage, carboseed and animal products, such as animal tallow.The RPCMs can include the oils, fats, fatty acids or fatty-acidderivatives of the agricultural starting material. The RCPMs can beformed by mixing desired agricultural materials, causing reversibleester bond chemistry to occur and separating fractions with the desiredlatent heat properties. The agricultural materials can includetriglycerides, such as fatty acid glycerides, hydrates of acids oftriglycerides, esters of fatty acids of naturally occurringtriglycerides, esters of fatty acids created by alcoholyis andhydrolysis, followed by esterification, synthesized triglycerides, suchas products produced by fractionation and transesterification,hydrogenation and fractionation or cis-trans isomerization andfractionation.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present applicationis not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of theprocess, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods andsteps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in theart will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the presentinvention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developedthat perform substantially the same function or achieve substantiallythe same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present invention.

1. A container for a temperature sensitive product comprising: an innervessel having an inner vessel wall connecting an open upper end of theinner vessel and a closed lower end of the inner vessel; an outer shellhaving an outer shell wall connecting an open upper end of the outershell and a closed lower end of the outer shell, wherein the outer shellis adapted to receive the inner vessel such that, when the inner vesselis contained in the outer shell, a chamber adapted to receive a phasechange material is defined between the inner vessel wall and the outershell wall; and a cap adapted to be placed over the open upper end ofthe inner vessel and the open upper end of the outer shell, when theinner vessel is contained in the outer shell.
 2. The container of claim1 wherein an insulation layer is adjacent to the outer shell wall. 3.The container of claim 1 wherein an insulation layer is adjacent to theinner vessel wall.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein the outer shellis formed from a first material and the inner vessel is formed from asecond material.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein the inner vessel isformed from a thermally conductive material.
 6. The container of claim 1wherein a rim extends around the open upper end of the inner vessel,such that the rim is in direct contact with the outer shell when theinner vessel is contained in the outer shell.
 7. A container for atemperature sensitive product comprising: an inner vessel having ahollow inner vessel wall connecting an open upper end of the innervessel and a closed lower end of the inner vessel; an outer shell havinga hollow outer shell wall connecting a closed upper end of the outershell and an open lower end of the outer shell, wherein the outer shellis adapted to receive the inner vessel such that, when the inner vesselis contained in the outer shell, the open upper end of the inner vesselis adjacent to the closed upper end of the outer shell; a first phasechange material contained within the hollow inner vessel wall; and asecond phase change material contained within the hollow outer shellwall.
 8. The container of claim 7 wherein an insulation layer isadjacent to the hollow outer shell wall.
 9. The container of claim 7wherein an insulation layer is adjacent to the hollow inner vessel wall.10. The container of claim 7 wherein the outer shell is formed from afirst material and the inner vessel is formed from a second material.11. The container of claim 7 wherein the inner vessel is formed from athermally conductive material.
 12. The container of claim 7 wherein arim extends around the closed lower end of the inner vessel, such thatthe rim is in direct contact with the open lower end of the outer shellwhen the inner vessel is contained in the outer shell.
 13. The containerof claim 7 wherein the inner vessel and the outer shell are ofsubstantially equal lengths.
 14. The container of claim 7 wherein thehollow inner vessel wall and the hollow outer vessel wall are in directcontact when the inner vessel is contained in the outer shell.
 15. Thecontainer of claim 7 wherein the closed lower end of the inner vesselcomprises a hollow panel containing the first phase change material. 16.The container of claim 7 wherein the closed upper end of the outer shellcomprises a hollow panel containing the second phase change material.17. A container for a temperature sensitive product comprising: asyringe barrel; an outer sleeve having a hollow outer sleeve wall,wherein the outer sleeve is adapted to receive the syringe barrel; and aphase change material contained within the hollow outer sleeve wall. 18.The container of claim 15 wherein an insulation layer is adjacent to thehollow outer sleeve wall.
 19. The container of claim 15 wherein aninsulation layer is adjacent to the syringe barrel.
 20. The container ofclaim 15 wherein the outer sleeve includes a closed end.